Military training initiative sees Central Queensland open for business

10 October 2018

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett, welcomed the high level of attendance and interest shown at Contracting and Compliance briefing for Central Queensland businesses, hosted by the Department of Defence in Rockhampton today.

Minister Fawcett highlighted that over 150 industry representatives attended presentations on upcoming work opportunities flowing through from the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).

“Today’s briefing is a positive sign of things to come for local businesses who can be in the running for upcoming work packages,” Minister Fawcett said.

“There will be upwards of 600 jobs created through the ASMTI with an estimated $50 million spent annually during the construction phase.”

“A large number of small-to-medium enterprises from the design and construction sectors came along to hear what opportunities will be available over the coming year, and to make sure their businesses are “Defence-ready” when the work commences.”

Today’s briefing follows the recent announcement of Laing O’Rourke as the Managing Contractor for the Shoalwater Bay Facilities Project under the ASMTI, for which construction is expected to begin in 2019.

The ASMTI will provide a significant boost to economies in Central and North Queensland over the life of the Initiative.

Local businesses are invited to register for updates on the ASMTI website: